Author: Rae, Charles
Biography:
RAE, Charles (fl 1822)
His book was published in Annan, and the title page designates him of Upper Colinherst, Parish of Hoddam (Dumfriesshire). Little certain biographical information has been found, but some information can be gleaned from his "The Author's Apology" in his collection of poems. He was born, the eldest of seven childen, on a farm between Repentance and Cockair, Hoddom. His father died when Charles was just twelve and he took over farming the land to support the family. He later married. No public records that can be linked to him with any certainty have been found. He seems to have been known to Thomas Carlyle, who commented in a letter of 5 June 1822 to his brother, Alexander: “is the creature getting his metre printed? I can scarce give credit to such an unaccountable business.” (https://carlyleletters.dukeupress.edu 27 Aug. 2020; ancestry.co.uk 27 Aug. 2020) SR